Meanwhile Ericsson, who failed to score a single point in 2017, takes the other seat ahead of Antonio Giovinazzi, who competed in the Australia Grand Prix and the Chinese Grand Prix as Pascal Wehrlein recovered from an injury sustained at the Race of Champions.

Wehrlein, who won five points in 2017, is left without a seat, with Williams the only team left with an opening following Felipe Massa's retirement.

Sauber finished last in the constructors' championship for the first time in their history in 2017. They have linked up with Alfa Romeo, who will become their title sponsor, for the 2018 season in a deal that marks a return to F1 for the Italian firm after a 30-year absence.